Cleaning the IAT sensor
 

The IAT sensor measures the temperature of the intake manifold. The ECM uses this sensor reading to set injection timing and adjust the air-fuel ratio. If the fuel mileage and power output of you engine seem low, some owners have found improvement in EGT, fuel economy, and power after cleaning carbon from the IAT sensor in at the rear of the intake manifold. Engine with exhaust brakes are particularly prone to IAT sensor fouling because soot is blown back into the intake during valve overlap. Smokingdiesel.com has an information page about problems caused by the IAT sensor.

The only tool you need is a 3/8" ratchet with a 6" extension and 13/16" socket.

The IAT sensor is found on the driver's side of the engine, almost at the back of the intake manifold.




Temperature
Resistance

30°
40K

32°
30k to 36k ohms

76°
13K ohms

77°
9k to 11k ohms

81°
6.87K ohms

122°
3k to 4k ohms

130°
4K ohms

167°
600 to 675 ohms

212°
600 to 675 ohms


Replacement Sensor:

Cummins PN 3408345

Dodge PN 05014197AA Sensor, Temperature (SEN, TEM)

Forgot what to clean it with. Only use carb or electronic aerosol cleaners on these sensors. Anything else will leave reisdue that will distorte the readings.

good point slick...thanks

Dont use carb cleaner :ph:

Electric contact cleaner is available at most parts stores and is the best thing to use.

Starting fluid (ether) will also work excellent.

for a stock truck...you don't need to do this till well past 100k most of the time...did the old 2001 at 85k and it was clean as a whistle. Do third gens have em?

Wondering the same thing.

Yes a 3rd gen has an IAT

and if you run a exhaust brake you should clean the IAT every 10k.............its amazing the difference

I cleaned my buddies at around 50k, he has no brake and yes it was carboned up somewhat......you could hear the diff in the idle before and after the cleaning

We always use MAF Sensor Cleaner

i checked mine yesterday and the little white thing at the end of the brass fitting wasn't there

Time for a new Sensor.

the "old" starting fluid should be ok... the newer stuff leaves a residue... like you said ether... but good luck finding it, most places just sell "starting fluid" which is a whole different breed

can it operate fine without one?!

as whitmore had said; the IAT is crucial to engine operation... it may run with out one, but it will throw codes and most likely run like a dog since it has to run on a base programming... the computer has to guess about everything it does, and therefore can never make the proper adjustments. so to answer your questiong, yes it will run with out one, and it'll run like crap to... is it advised? not at all... suck it up buy a new one, you'll probably pay for the sensor just in fuel savings and satisfaction.

Is cleaning the soot off of this sensor sufficient or should it just be replaced at some point?

Cleaning it works fine.